Foundation to raise another RM5.5 mln for first autism centre in Perlis
KUALA LUMPUR: Tuanku Syed Putra Foundation, also known as Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra (YTSP) aims to raise another RM5.5 million to build an autism centre for the community in Perlis, which would be the first in the state.
The centre will also benefit people from the northern region to build a brighter future for people with autism.
Through a collaborative effort with Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) two years ago, the Autism Hub for Educational Resources and Training (AHEART) initiative was formed and raised RM500,000 to build an autism centre for children at UniMAP’s campus. Moving forward,
A-HEART UniMAP Autism Centre is looking to expand to a full-fledged centre to reach out to more people in need. YTSP is now aiming to raise RM6 million over 3 years to realise this expansion.
YTSP is chaired by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, The Crown Prince Of Perlis, who is also UniMAP Chancellor while AHEART UniMAP Autism Centre is under the Royal Patronage of Her Highness Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, The Consort Of The Crown Prince Of Perlis. She is also UniMAP ProChancellor.
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin who is a Board Member of Yayasan Tuanku Syed Putra (YTSP) and the Chairman of the Board of Universiti Sultan Zai na lA bid in(UniSZA) said :“Y TSP aims to develop an autism centre to provide the community with access opportunities for quality education, life skills training and support for the community, parents of autistic children, carers and professionals.
“The foundation has been receiving encouraging support from corporate bodies that have contributed half a million to the foundation to date. Today, we are honoured to have Acts One Group Inc to support us to help establish a full-fledged autism centre a reality very soon.”
Founder and Chairman of Acts One Group Inc, Serena Chiam said: “I believe in contributing to the betterment of society. It is the same culture that is embraced in my company - to lend a helping hand to those who are in need.”
“We play our part in shaping a better future for all and hope that more corporations and individuals will be encouraged to donate to YTSP with the goal to fund the expansion of the A-HEART UniMAP Autism Centre.”
Also present was UniMAP ViceChancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zul Azhar Zahid Jamal, who expressed his gratitude towards corporate bodies that have lent their support not only through monetary value but also organising community events.
“Just recently, Bank Rakyat organised the ‘Bank Rakyat-AHeart Autismlympic Carnival’, a unique sporting event to encourage sports in autism students. Then in February this year, YTL donated RM100,000 to YTSP. Last year, we had Bank Rakyat again to organise the ‘Bank Rakyat A-HEART Rainbow Walk’ that saw 1,398 participants made up of children from orphanages and university students to celebrate National Autism Awareness Month.”
“Having said, I believe that by creating awareness at different layers and levels of the public will contribute positively to the provision of a dynamic ecosystem to the autism group. We hope more corporate bodies, individuals and parties will come forward to support this long-term Corporate Social Responsibility of UniMAP.”
Meanwhile, Autism Buddies who is supporting the cause plays an instrumental role in the AHEART initiative was represented by Datuk Akmal Abdul Salam, who is also the patron of Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA).
Currently, the A-HEART UniMAP Autism Centre is fully operated by the university. The centre is equipped with various facilities and interactive teaching aids. Beyond these facilities, the expansion of A-HEART UniMAP Autism Centre is committed to offering services such as early detection and intervention through treatment, therapy and the best educational approach to children with autism as well as support to the parents, carers and professionals.